I think that positive things are achieved when someone steps up to lead and people work together and support each other.
That’s one reason it encourages me to see how many people in the real estate and construction industries have continued to keep a positive attitude despite our current problems.
I was honored to be invited to speak at this month’s Sales and Marketing Council meeting and really didn’t know what to expect. What I found was a big, enthusiastic crowd at UNF’s University Center. I had been asked to give a pep talk but it seemed to work the other way; that enthusiasm was a pep talk right back at me.
I’ve been at the table with NEFBA since about 1978, often working as a partner to solve problems, seize opportunities and celebrate victories. And, as publisher of the Realtor/Builder Connection for the past 11 years, much of my life has been linked directly to the lives of people who build, market and sell homes.
In January I attended the SMC meeting when some of the “hall of famers” in this industry like Hawley Smith and Dick Browdy honored Chester Stokes, another “hall of famer.”
And, at the recent February meeting, SMC saluted its all-stars - all outstanding individuals and professionals who could some day reach that “hall of fame” status. These are people who’ve followed the tradition of making a difference in difficult times.
During my talk I reminded those gathered of some things that I want to also share with you.
The history of NEFBA is rich and proud. The 24 years that SMC has been in existence have been extremely productive. NEFBA is the example of leadership and SMC symbolizes the best of teamwork and partnership. These two organizations are strong links in Jacksonville’s economic chain.
The past many months have been rough for this industry. In fact, Chester Stokes said last month that he’s been through some tough times, but this is the toughest.
Those of us who put out the newspaper you’re reading have, just like all of you in recent months, made a special effort to keep our enthusiasm high. When your times were good, so were ours. Your monthly Realty/Builder Connection was a great deal heavier a few years ago, as the demand for advertising in our pages pushed up our size.
When your business slowed down, so did ours. But, like the people I saw at SMC, we made a pledge to each other: don’t let less business mean less quality. We’ve had a good product. We’ve worked to make it better each month.
I’d love to tell you that the end is in sight. But I can’t. No one can tell you that for sure. But, I can tell you this: the people who have built NEFBA in the past have enjoyed the good times. They’ve also endured and survived the bad times and come out stronger on the other side.
We need to pay attention to what they’ve taught us.
When we recognize what’s been accomplished and endured by this industry in our history, we have every reason to be optimistic about the future.
I truly believe leadership is about understanding our past and envisioning our future. It’s about having the passion and energy to continue moving forward and never backing up or backing down.
Good leaders show us how to stick together when times are tough ... and they teach us not to dance in the end zone when times are good.
We’ve had that kind of leadership in the past at NEFBA and the SMC. We have that kind of leadership today. Despite enormous economic challenges, our organization will remain strong.
Not only will we see the light at the end of the tunnel, but NEFBA, SMC and the members of these organizations will be bright beacons to help lead the way to our recovery.
– Jim Bailey is president of Bailey Publishing & Communications Inc. and publisher of Realty/Builder Connection.
Publishers Note: In last month’s column I incorrectly identified my good friend U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Gerald Tjoflat as “retired.” I apologize to the Judge and appreciate his kindness when he pointed out to me that he is still a very active member of the bench.